Green Activities for Kids to Do Outside

The sound of the TV from the family room, the roaring sometimes startling noise of a video game, or the sound of annoyed children who have spent too much time together cooped up inside. Ah yes, the sounds of fall. And yet, it is a beautiful day outside, with shining sun and a gentle breeze carrying the leafy smells of autumn. But we are inside. Why? Will it remind me that I need to rake the leaves like my retired neighbor always seems to find the time to do? Or do I just not want to argue with “but I’m in the middle of a game!”, or “My show is on!” or, my personal favorite, “Its boring outside!” all said in that sing-song, whiny voice that is mastered at age five and repeated until old enough to leave the house. Boring? Nope, no way. I’ve learned to work around that little nugget. Here are some ideas for your own group, whether it is a class, an after school program or for your own children.

Scavenger hunt: This is a ton of fun in the fall, or any other time of year (though more challenging in the dead of winter). Make a list of things for the group to find-small groups, one group or individuals. They can be small items that can be collected in a bag like leaves, sticks and rocks or more complex for older kids-quartz, limestone, oak leaf. They can also be large things like street signs to be spotted and ticked off of a list. The more you do this one, the more complex and fun it can be. Have the kids help make the list so everyone can feel that their input matters. When you have collected everything it can also be fun to spend some time examining and talking about the items before returning them to the natural world in which they were found. If your kids enjoy a little competition, let the winner(s) choose what’s for snack or dessert at the next meal.

So many ball games, so little time. There is hardly a kid in the world who doesn’t want to play games with mom/dad/teacher. Whether it’s just a game of catch or a more organized game like soccer or flag football, having a favorite adult play with you is almost like Christmas when your seven. And let the kids win, at least part of the time. There is no honor is stuffing a basketball into the face of an eight year old. An adult is just taller, not necessarily better. Also, make sure rules are clearly defined, as well as a system of conflict resolution. My favorite way of settling a difference of opinion in a game is Rock/Paper/Scissors. Have the kids help decide the rules. Most children are fair to a fault and will think of things that wouldn’t occur to you. And if they decide on and agree on the rules they are more likely to follow them. Exercise outside is important for a life long love of the outdoors!